The Washington Misick administration is considering a myriad of plans for the Providenciales International Airport, including whether to have it at a new location.
Providenciales International Airport
The undertakings of the airport was the main topic of discussion at the latest cabinet meeting on June 11, as in recent times the facility has been plagued with congestions much to the chagrin of many of the travelers who use it.
The cabinet meeting, from which the ‘on-vacation’ Governor Nigel Dakin was the only no-show, went in-depth as it covered a kaleidoscope of possibilities as to the future of the country’s main gateway.
“Members had an in-depth, out of the box, discussion on the direction of travel for the development of an airport on Providenciales to handle current and future needs,” a news release from the Governor’s Office, stated.
Discussion included, but was not restricted to:
a) a number of unsolicited proposals put forward to the Government;
b) re-development vs a new location;
c) ownership (fully owned; private partnership; design, build and operate etc.);
d) funding including share options;
e) management (government, private, joint);
f) existing challenges around traffic movement and land use;
g) involvement of external advice;
h) comparisons within the region;
i) use for inter-regional travel;
j) growth economy opportunities;
k) implications on and other infrastructural needs;
l) public and private transport; and
m) agreed next steps.
In a recent news conference, Premier Hon. Washington Misick announced a multi-million-dollar short-term fix at the Providenciales International Airport, which should make protracted wait from disembarking of the planes to the immigration checkpoints more bearable.
The premier, at the news conference, declared that his government would be spending about $4million to erect canopies on the tarmac leading to the terminal building, but promised that there was a longer solution coming.
Describing the long lines in the fervent heat that often snake from the steps of the planes on the tarmac to the immigration checkpoints inside the terminal building as a good problem to have, Premier Misick said spending is geared to ease the wait burden.
The prolonged waiting period at the Providenciales International Airport occurs mostly on Saturdays and Sundays, when there is a greater number of in-bound flights.
The premier pointed out that the inflowing of visitors at the airport is a tell-tale sign that the Turks and Caicos Islands is sexy in the eyes of the international traveller.
Other matters discussed at the cabinet meeting were:
Re-confirmation of government’s approval for the acquisition of land (Block 60714 Parcel 300) along the Leeward Highway, Providenciales, by the Financial Services Commission and the remitting of stamp duty payable on the Commission’s transaction.
Confirmation of their approval for amendments to the Environmental Health (Covid-19 (Control Measures) Regulations in order to make provisions for an official ceremonies or events which may be held from time to time and require special dispensation during this Covid-19 pandemic.
updates on issues relating to the Ministry of Education including vaccines for children, work permit renewals and a Positive Behaviour Policy for the education sector.
Updates on a successful semi-live crisis exercise carried out on 10 June to test the nation’s disaster preparedness.